Shuanglin Temple

Pingyao Attractions

Introduction to Shuanglin Temple (双林寺)

The Shuanglin Temple is reputed to be the 'ancient painted sculptures museum'. The temple houses more than 2,000 colorful sculptures reflecting the exquisite skills of the artisans of the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Shuanglin Temple was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO as an important cultural site of Ping Yao City in 1997. The temple is one of the most visited attractions of Pingyao.

Reconstructed in 571, the Shuanglin Temple has a history of about 1,400 years. The temple consists of ten large and small halls, and the sutra chanting hall and the monks' rooms. The ten halls include the Heavenly Kings' Hall, the Arhats' Hall, the Mahavira Hall (Da Xiong Bao Dian), and the One-Thousand Buddha Hall, the Sakyamuni Hall, the Bodhisattva Hall, the Ti-tsang Bodhisattva Hall, the Guan Yu's Hall and two other halls. Guan Yu was a famous general of Shu during the Period of Three Kingdoms. Later, he would be worshipped as a god.

In the One-thousand Buddha Hall is enshrined Kwan-yin sitting on the pedestal with her right leg bent and left one stepping on a lotus leaf. The Veda in the hall is reputed to be the best in China and well worth exploring. There are also about 500 sculptures of Bodhisattva in different carriages.

Location

Qiaotou Village, Zhongdu Town, Pingyao County, Shanxi Province

Travel Information

Admission Fee: RMB 40 Opening Hours:8:30-18:00 (It will be closed earlier in winter) Best Time to Visit: Summer, Autumn

Transportation

You can rent a car from Pingyao Ancient Town to Shuanglin Temple. Fare: RMB 30-40

Travel Tips

Better not visiting during Chinese holidays, for it might be extremely crowded.

It is not allowed to take pictures inside.

There’s no lamp light inside out of protection. You’d better take flashlight by yourself.